Research progress of glucocorticoid resistance in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: A review

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is one of the common chronic inflammatory diseases in otolaryngology. Glucocorticoid (GC) acts as the first-line drug for the treatment of CRSwNP in clinical practice, and they play an irreplaceable role in reducing nasal mucosal inflammation and restoring the normal physiological function of the nasal mucosa. However, many patients are still insensitive to GC treatment, known as GC resistance, which leads to poor control of the disease, and the underlying mechanisms are still not fully elucidated. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress of GC resistance of patients with CRSwNP in recent years.

Mechanism of ozone alleviation of malignant ascites in hepatocellular carcinoma through the inhibition of neutrophil extracellular traps

Malignant ascites in hepatocellular carcinoma is usually a sign of advanced disease and poor prognosis and is also thought to be associated with chronic inflammation mediated by neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) networks. Although ozone, a strong oxidant, has significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, its effectiveness in treating malignant liver ascites is unclear. We first measured the levels of NETs in the peripheral blood of patients with liver cancer and healthy individuals. Next, we constructed the H22 tumor-bearing mouse model and observed the abdominal girth, body weight, survival rate, and survival time in each group; we marked the proteins associated with NETs in mouse intestinal tissues by immunofluorescence; cf-DNA and cytokines in ascites such as: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels in ascites were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of phosphorylated adenylate-activated protein kinase (P-AMPK) and scavenger receptor-A (SR-A) were detected by immunocytochemistry in the intestinal tissues of each group of mice. We further examined the expression of P-AMPK and SR-A proteins in ascites deposits by Western blotting. The results show, the plasma levels of NETs were higher in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma than in normal subjects (P < 0.01). Abdominal girth and body weight were significantly reduced in the ozone-treated group compared with the model group, while survival and survival time were dose dependently increased (both P < 0.05). NET-associated guanine histone H3 and myeloperoxidase were abundantly expressed at neutrophil aggregates in the intestinal tissues of the model mice, whereas their expression was significantly reduced in the ozone-treated group. The levels of cf-DNA, IL-6, IFN-γ, MMP-9, VEGF, and TNF-α were dose dependently increased in the ascites of H22 tumor-bearing mice in the ozone-treated group compared with the model group (all P < 0.01), while the expression of P-AMPK and SR-A proteins was increased in the ozone-treated group compared with the model group. Ozone showed significant antiperitoneal fluid production properties in H22 tumor-bearing mice, and ozone reduced peritoneal fluid production by activating AMPK and up-regulating SR-A phagocytosis damage-associated molecular patterns to reduce the production of NETs. This suggests that ozone could be used as a new drug for the treatment of malignant ascites in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Ablation of CD226 on CD4+ T cells modulates asthma progress associated with altered IL-10 response and gut microbiota

To investigate the role of the costimulatory molecule CD226 in asthma pathogenesis, we produced a CD4⁺ T-cell-specific CD226 knockout mice model (Cd226^ΔCD4) and induced airway allergic inflammation by administering ovalbumin (OVA). Our results revealed alleviated lung inflammation, decreased levels of OVA-specific IgE, and increased levels of IL-10 in the serum of Cd226^ΔCD4 mice (P < 0.05). Moreover, IL-10 levels in CD4⁺ T cells were significantly elevated in the mediastinal lymph node, spleen, and Peyer's patches in the Cd226^ΔCD4 mice compared with those in controls (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). Notably, there was a significantly higher IL-10 mRNA levels in the large intestine of the mice (P < 0.05). The protective effect of CD226 deficiency is also associated with the accumulation of gut TCRγδ⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes and reversion of the gut microbiome dysbiosis. The Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratio and the abundance of Akkermansia increased in the absence of CD226 after OVA treatment. Our data reveal the synchronous changes in the lung and intestine in OVA-treated CD226-knockout mice, supporting the gut-lung axis concept and providing evidence for novel therapeutic approaches for asthma.

Soluble Guanylate Cyclase β1 Subunit Represses Human Glioblastoma Growth

Malignant glioma is the most common and deadly brain tumor. A marked reduction in the levels of sGC (soluble guanylyl cyclase) transcript in the human glioma specimens has been revealed in our previous studies. In the present study, restoring the expression of sGCβ1 alone repressed the aggressive course of glioma. The antitumor effect of sGCβ1 was not associated with enzymatic activity of sGC since overexpression of sGCβ1 alone did not influence the level of cyclic GMP. Additionally, sGCβ1-induced inhibition of the growth of glioma cells was not influenced by treatment with sGC stimulators or inhibitors. The present study is the first to reveal that sGCβ1 migrated into the nucleus and interacted with the promoter of the TP53 gene. Transcriptional responses induced by sGCβ1 caused the G0 cell cycle arrest of glioblastoma cells and inhibition of tumor aggressiveness. sGCβ1 overexpression impacted signaling in glioblastoma multiforme, including the promotion of nuclear accumulation of p53, a marked reduction in CDK6, and a significant decrease in integrin α6. These anticancer targets of sGCβ1 may represent clinically important regulatory pathways that contribute to the development of a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

CD226 Is Required to Maintain Megakaryocytes/Platelets Homeostasis in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis With Platelet-Rich Plasma in Mice

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a platelet-based application used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) clinically. The co-stimulatory molecule CD226 is expressed in T cells, NK cells, and also platelets. However, exact effects of CD226 on platelets and whether its expression level influences PRP efficacy are largely unknown. Here, CD226^fl/flPF4-Cre mice were obtained from mating CD226 ^fl/fl mice with PF4-Cre mice. Blood samples and washed platelets were collected from the mice eyeballs to undergo routine blood tests and transmission electron microscopy. Differentially expressed proteins were detected by iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis. Animal OA models were established through surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) for C57BL/6 wildtype mice, followed by PRP injection to evaluate the effects of platelet CD226 on PRP efficacy. The results showed that deletion of platelet CD226 increased the number of megakaryocytes (MKs) in bone marrow (BM) but reduced MKs in spleen, combined with significantly decreased platelet amounts, α-granule secretion, and reduced immature platelets; indicating that absence of platelet CD226 may disrupt MK/platelet homeostasis and arrested platelet release from MKs. Sequencing analysis showed abnormal ribosomal functions and much downregulated proteins in the absence of platelet CD226. Autophagy-related proteins were also reduced in the CD226-absent MKs/platelets. Moreover, deletion of platelet CD226 diminished the protective effects of PRP on DMM-induced cartilage lesions in mice, and PDGF restored it. Therefore, deficiency of platelet CD226 inhibited platelet maturation, secretion, and normal ribosomal functions, which may lead to depressed PRP efficacy on OA, suggesting that CD226 is required to regulate platelet growth, functions, and its application.

Effects of pulsed ultrasound at 20 kHz on the sonochemical degradation of mycotoxins

Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are toxic secondary compounds that can reduce the quality of many kinds of food and may lead to other ill effects, both in humans and animals. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the ultrasound (US) treatment in the removal of AFB1, DON, ZEA and OTA from aqueous solution and maize by examining degradation rates and influencing factors of ultrasonication, such as the initial concentrations, power intensity, sonication duration, and duty cycle. The results showed that US treatment could simultaneously reduce AFB1, DON, ZEA and OTA effectively in aqueous solution. The degradation of mycotoxins was significantly affected by the ultrasonic intensity (2.2-11 W/cm3) and sonication time range from 10 to 50 min. DON is more stable than AFB1, ZEA, and OTA in the US treatment. It was found that, for the first time to our knowledge, the highest degradation rates of AFB1, DON, ZEA and OTA were attained at a duty cycle of 25%, and they were 96.5, 60.8, 95.9 and 91.6%, respectively. US strategy can be considered as an effective treatment to degrade the mycotoxins in aqueous solutions and food matrix.

Seed-borne endophytic Bacillus velezensis LHSB1 mediate the biocontrol of peanut stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii

AIMS

This study aimed to obtain an antagonistic endophyte against Sclerotium rolfsii from peanut seeds, evaluate the biocontrol efficacy towards peanut stem rot and explore its antifungal mechanism against S. rolfsii.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-seven endophytic bacteria were isolated from peanut seeds, six of which exhibited stronger antagonistic activities against S. rolfsii (inhibition rate, IR of hyphae growth ≥70%). Strain LHSB1, the strongest antagonistic strain, was identified as Bacillus velezensis. LHSB1 showed 93·8% of radial growth inhibition of S. rolfsii hyphae and exhibited obvious antagonistic activity against another six pathogenic fungi of peanut. Pot experiments showed two different LHSB1 treatments both significantly reduced the disease incidence and severity of stem rot (P < 0·05) compared to the controls, and the biocontrol efficacy reached 62·6-70·8%, significantly higher than that of Carbendazim control (P < 0·05). Further analyses revealed LHSB1 culture filtrate significantly inhibited sclerotia formation and germination, caused the abnormalities and membrane integrity damage of S. rolfsii hyphae, which might be the possible mode of action of LHSB1 against S. rolfsii. Three antifungal lipopeptides bacillomycin A, surfactin A and fengycin A, were detected in LHSB1 culture extracts by UPLC-ESI-MS, which could be responsible for the biocontrol activity of LHSB1 against S. rolfsii.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that the seed-borne endophytic B. velezensis LHSB1 would be a tremendous potential agent for the biocontrol of peanut stem rot caused by S. rolfsii.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This comprehensive study provides a candidate endophytic biocontrol strain and reveals its antifungal mechanism against S. rolfsi. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that seed-borne endophytic B. velezensis was used as the biocontrol agent to control peanut stem rot.

The Nuclear Export and Ubiquitin-Proteasome-Dependent Degradation of PPARγ Induced By Angiotensin II

Evidence has documented local angiotensin II (Ang II) as a pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory molecule contributes to progressive deterioration of organ function in diseases. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a ligand-activated transcription factor, plays crucial roles in protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. Ang II stimulation decreases PPARγ protein in multiple types of cells, while the regulatory role of Ang II on PPARγ is not clear. Here we show that Ang II down-regulated PPARγ in ECV304 cells through 2 actions, inducing nuclear export and loss of protein. The nuclear export of PPARγ occurred transiently in the early phase, while the reduction in PPARγ protein happened in the later phase and was more persistent. Both alterations in PPARγ were accompanied by the decrease in PPARγ-DNA binding activity. Reduction of PPARγ protein levels was also coupled with the inhibition of PPARγ target genes. In addition, activation of PPARγ by its ligand troglitazone could completely counteract both 2 actions of Ang II on PPARγ. Further studies demonstrated that the decline of PPARγ protein was in association with ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation, which was supported by the increase in polyubiquitin-PPARγ conjugates and the inhibitory effect of lactacystin, a specific proteasome inhibitor, on the loss of PPARγ. Taken together, this study uncovers a novel means by which Ang II down-regulates PPARγ. This down-regulation disrupts nuclear PPARγ function, which may lead to the loss of beneficial effects of PPARγ in response to Ang II stress.

Programming and Regulation of Metabolic Homeostasis by HDAC11

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that regulate protein functions by catalyzing the removal of acetyl and acyl groups from lysine residues. They play pivotal roles in governing cell behaviors and are indispensable in numerous biological processes. HDAC11, the last identified and sole member of class IV HDACs, was reported over a decade ago. However, its physiological function remains poorly understood. Here, we report that HDAC11 knockout mice are resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome, suggesting that HDAC11 functions as a crucial metabolic regulator. Depletion of HDAC11 significantly enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, attenuated hypercholesterolemia, and decreased hepatosteatosis and liver damage. Mechanistically, HDAC11 deficiency boosts energy expenditure through promoting thermogenic capacity, which attributes to the elevation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression and activity in brown adipose tissue. Moreover, loss of HDAC11 activates the adiponectin-AdipoR-AMPK pathway in the liver, which may contribute to a reversal in hepatosteatosis. Overall, our findings distinguish HDAC11 as a novel regulator of obesity, with potentially important implications for obesity-related disease treatment.

Tadalafil: Protective Action against the Development of Multiple Organ Failure Syndrome

Introduction

Multiple organ failure syndrome (MOFS) is a pathology associated to unspecified and severe trauma, characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality. The complex inflammatory MOFS-related reactions generate important ischemia-reperfusion responses in the induction of this syndrome. Nitric oxide elevation, through the activation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), has the potential of counteracting the typical systemic vasoconstriction, and platelet-induced hypercoagulation. Tadalafil would possibly act protectively by reducing cGMP degradation with consequent diffuse vasodilatation, besides reduction of platelet-induced hypercoagulation, thus, preventing multiple organ failure syndrome development.

Methods

The experimental protocol was previously approved by an institution animal research committee. Experimental MOFS was induced through the stereotaxic micro-neurosurgical bilateral anterior hypothalamic lesions model. Groups of 10 Wistar rats were divided into:

a) Non-operated control;

b) Operated control group;

c) 2 hours after tadalafil-treated operated group;

d) 4 hours after tadalafil-treated operated group;

e) 8 hours after post-treated operated group. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the neurosurgical procedure and submitted to histopathologic examination of five organs: brain, lungs, stomach, kidneys, and liver.

Results

The electrolytic hypothalamic lesions resulted in a full picture of MOFS with disseminated multiple-organs lesions, provoked primarily by diffusely spread micro-thrombi. The treatment with tadalafil 2 hours after the micro-neurosurgical lesions reduced the experimental MOFS lesions development, in a highly significant level (P<0.01) of 58.75%. The treatment with tadalafil, 4 hours after the micro-neurosurgically-induced MOFS lesions, also reduced in 49.71%, in a highly significant level (P<0.01). Finally, the treatment with tadalafil 8 hours after the neurosurgical procedure resulted in a statistically significant reduction of 30.50% (P<0.05) of the experimentally-induced MOFS gravity scores.

Conclusion

The phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, tadalafil, in the doses and timing utilized, showed to protect against the experimentally-induced MOFS.

ERK3 regulates TDP2-mediated DNA damage response and chemoresistance in lung cancer cells

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, play critical regulatory roles in the assembly of DNA damage response proteins on the DNA damage site and their activities in DNA damage repair. Tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) repairs Topoisomerase 2 (Top2)-linked DNA damage, thereby protecting cancer cells against Top2 inhibitors-induced growth inhibition and cell death. The regulation of TDP2 activity by post-translational modifications in DNA repair, however, remains unclear. In the current study, we have found that ERK3, an atypical MAPK, phosphorylates TDP2 at S60 and regulates TDP2's phosphodiesterase activity, thereby cooperatively protecting lung cancer cells against Top2 inhibitors-induced DNA damage and growth inhibition. As such, our study revealed a post-translational regulation of TDP2 activity and discovered a new role of ERK3 in increasing cancer cells’ DNA damage response and chemoresistance to Top2 inhibitors.

Effects of Viola yedoensis Makino anti-itching compound on degranulation and cytokine generation in RBL-2H3 mast cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Chinese herb compound prescription Viola yedoensis Makino Anti-itching Compound (VYAC), which consists of Viola yedoensis Makino, herb, Sophora flavescens Aiton, root, and Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz, root and rhizome, has been traditionally used to treat various skin allergic inflammatory diseases in clinic.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of VYAC on degranulation and to determine its anti-inflammatory mechanism in RBL-2H3 mast cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VYAC was extracted with water-coction extraction (Shufen et al., 2012). The aqueous extracts were concentrated in vacuum under reduced pressure and lyophilized using a freeze dryer, and lyophilized powder was obtained. MTT was used to evaluate the cytotoxic of VYAC on RBL-2H3 cells. Degranulation was carried out with RBL-2H3 cell model, which was stimulated with A23187 plus PMA. β-Hexosaminidase and histamine were measured to evaluate degranulation. The mRNA levels of inflammation cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS) were investigated by RT-PCR to explain the anti-inflammatory mechanism of VYAC.

RESULTS

VYAC did not show cytotoxic effect on RBL-2H3 cells in the range of 25-400μg/mL. A higher dose of VYAC (800μg/mL) showed significant cytotoxicity (P<0.05). VYAC could significantly inhibit β-hexosaminidase and histamine release when treated with 100, 200, and 400μg/mL (P<0.05), but could not significantly inhibit β-Hexosaminidase and histamine release when treated with 25 and 50μg/mL (p>0.05). The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS) could significantly decrease when treated with 200 and 400μg/mL (P<0.05) of VYAC, which were associated with the development of inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results showed that VYAC inhibited β-hexosaminidase and histamine release, which was inhibit A23187 plus PMA stimulated RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and downregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS) expression to block inflammatory development.

The Endothelium-Dependent Nitric Oxide-cGMP Pathway

Nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic 3'-5' guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling plays a critical role on smooth muscle tone, platelet activity, cardiac contractility, renal function and fluid balance, and cell growth. Studies of the 1990s established endothelium dysfunction as one of the major causes of cardiovascular diseases. Therapeutic strategies that benefit NO bioavailability have been applied in clinical medicine extensively. Basic and clinical studies of cGMP regulation through activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) or inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) have resulted in effective therapies for pulmonary hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and more recently benign prostatic hyperplasia. This section reviews (1) how endothelial dysfunction and NO deficiency lead to cardiovascular diseases, (2) how soluble cGMP regulation leads to beneficial effects on disorders of the circulation system, and (3) the epigenetic regulation of NO-sGC pathway components in the cardiovascular system. In conclusion, the discovery of the NO-cGMP pathway revolutionized the comprehension of pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cardiovascular and other diseases. However, considering the expression "from bench to bedside" the therapeutic alternatives targeting NO-cGMP did not immediately follow the marked biochemical and pathophysiological revolution. Some therapeutic options have been effective and released on the market for pulmonary hypertension and erectile dysfunction such as inhaled NO, PDE5 inhibitors, and recently sGC stimulators. The therapeutic armamentarium for many other disorders is expected in the near future. There are currently numerous active basic and clinical research programs in universities and industries attempting to develop novel therapies for many diseases and medical applications.

[Segmental tracheal resection and anastomosis for the treatment of cicatricial stenosis in cervical tracheal]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of segmental tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis for cicatricial cervical tracheal stenosis.

METHODS

The clinical outcomes of 40 patients treated with tracheal resection were retrospectively reviewed. There were 28 male patients and 12 female patients with the age ranged from 6 to 64 years (mean 33.7 years). The degree of stenosis was classified according to Myer-Cotton classification as follows: grade Ⅱ (n=7), grade Ⅲ (n=22) and grade Ⅳ (n=11). The stenosis extension ranged from 1.0 to 4.3 cm (mean 2.5 cm). The causes of the stenosis were postintubation (n=33), cervical trauma (n=6) and resection of tracheal neoplasm (n=1).

RESULTS

Thirty-four(85.0%) patients were decannulated and 6 failed. Of the 6 patients failed, 4 were decannulated after reoperation with the sternohyoid myocutaneous flap or thyroid alar cartilage graft. Complications occurred in 10 patients. In 8 patients granulation tissues formed at the site of the tracheal anastomosis, which needed endoscopic resction, and in 2 patients anastomosic dehiscence occurred. No injury to recurrent laryngeal nerve or trachoesophageal fistula occurred.

CONCLUSION

Segmental tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis is an effective surgical method for tracheal stenosis, which has a higher successful rate for primary operation and shorter therapeutic period.

MicroRNA-26a promotes anoikis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting alpha5 integrin

Metastasis is the major reason for the death of patients suffering from malignant diseases such as human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among the complex metastatic process, resistance to anoikis is one of the most important steps. Previous studies demonstrate that microRNA-26a (miR-26a) is an important tumor suppressor that inhibits the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells by targeting multiple oncogenic proteins. However, whether miR-26a can also influence anoikis has not been well established. Here, we discovered that miR-26a promotes anoikis of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. With a combinational analysis of bioinformatics and public clinical databases, we predicted that alpha5 integrin (ITGA5), an integrin family member, is a putative target of miR-26a. Furthermore, we provide experimental evidence to confirm that ITGA5 is a bona fide target of miR-26a. Through gain- and loss-of-function studies, we demonstrate that ITGA5 is a functional target of miR-26a-induced anoikis in HCC cells. Collectively, our findings reveal that miR-26a is a novel player during anoikis and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of metastatic HCC.

[Total flavonoid from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its ingredient isoliquiritigenin regulation M2 phenotype polarization of macrophages]

To study the mechanisms of total flavonoid from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (TFGR) and its ingredient isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on their regulation of M2 phenotype polarization of macrophages. IL-4 (60 μg x L(-1)) induced RAW264.7 cells for 6 h to establish the M2 macrophage model. TFGR and ISL restrained breast cancer cells migration with the aid of M2 macrophages in vitro. TFGR and ISL inhibited gene and protein expression of Arg-1, up-regulated gene of HO-1 and protein expression of iNOS, enhanced the expression of microRNA 155 and its target gene SHIP1, meanwhile down-regulated.the phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT6. So TFGR and ISL were the bioactive fraction and ingredient in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to reverse M2 phenotype macrophages polarization. TFGR and ISL inhibited the promotion of M2 macrophages to breast cancer cells migration in vitro, STAT signal pathways and miR155 were partly involved.

Differential Effects of Cold Atmospheric Plasma in the Treatment of Malignant Glioma

Objective

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has recently been shown to selectively target cancer cells with minimal effects on normal cells. We systematically assessed the effects of CAP in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Methods

Three glioma cell lines, normal astrocytes, and endothelial cell lines were treated with CAP. The effects of CAP were then characterized for viability, cytotoxicity/apoptosis, and cell cycle effects. Statistical significance was determined with student's t-test.

Results

CAP treatment decreases viability of glioma cells in a dose dependent manner, with the ID50 between 90-120 seconds for all glioma cell lines. Treatment with CAP for more than 120 seconds resulted in viability less than 35% at 24-hours posttreatment, with a steady decline to less than 20% at 72-hours. In contrast, the effect of CAP on the viability of NHA and HUVEC was minimal, and importantly not significant at 90 to 120 seconds, with up to 85% of the cells remained viable at 72-hours post-treatment. CAP treatment produces both cytotoxic and apoptotic effects with some variability between cell lines. CAP treatment resulted in a G2/M-phase cell cycle pause in all three cell lines.

Conclusions

This preliminary study determined a multi-focal effect of CAP on glioma cells in vitro, which was not observed in the non-tumor cell lines. The decreased viability depended on the treatment duration and cell line, but overall was explained by the induction of cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and G2/M pause. Future studies will aim at further characterization with more complex pre-clinical models.

[Establishment of a cell model of insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the optimal conditions for establishing insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

METHOS

Dexamethason (DEX), 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine (IBMX) and different concentrations of insulin (10(-8), 10(-7), and 10(-6) mol·L(-1)) were used to induce 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes identified by oil red O staining. We established insulin- resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes cell model (IR-3T3-L1) by exposing the cells to 1µmol·L(-1) DEX, and the changes of glucose concen- tration in the cell culture were determined by glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) assay.

RESULTS

Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with DEX, IBMX and 10(-6) mol·L(-1)) insulin for 9 days resulted in the differentiation of >90% of the cells into mature adipocytes. IR-3T3-L1 cells cultured for 96 h in the culture media containing 1 µmol·L(-1) DEX showed significantly increased glucose consumption (P=0.0003) as compared with the control group at 36 h (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

3T3-L1 cells can be induced into mature adipocytes by exposure to 1 µmol·L(-1) DEX, 0.5 mmol·L(-1) IBMX and 10(-6) mol·L(-1)) insulin. A 96 h exposure to 1 µmol·L(-1) DEX can induce 3T3-L1 adipocytes to acquire insulin resistance that can be maintained for 36 h.

[Advance in studies on regulatory mechanism of phenotype polarization of macrophages and intervention with traditional Chinese medicines]

Macrophages are heterogeneous and diversified, and can be polarized into different phenotypes in various microenvironments and physiological or pathological conditions. Major macrophage subpopulations including classically activated(M1) and alternatively activated(M2) macrophages, which represent different surface receptors, secret different cytokines and chemokines, are regulated by different signal paths of transcriptions and epigenetic levels, and play distinctive roles in tumor progress. TCMs may improve the microenvironment by regulating phenotype polarization of macrophages. So far, specific biomarkers and polarized molecules mechanisms generated through the macrophage polarization approach are still unclear. In this article, we merely summarize the advance in domestic and foreign studies on phenotype polarization of macrophages and regulatory mechanisms and look into the future of intervention with TCMs.

sGC-cGMP signaling: target for anticancer therapy

The biologic endogenous production of cGMP was reported in the 1960s and followed by the demonstration of guanylyl cyclase activity and the isoforms of soluble and membrane-bound guanylyl cyclases. During the same period, cGMP specific phosphodiesterases also was discovered. Murad's lab established link between the endothelium derived relaxation factor (EDRF) and elevated cGMP concentration in the vascular system. October 12, 1998, the Nobel Assembly awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology to scientists Robert Furchgott, Louis Ignarro, and Ferid Murad for their discoveries concerning nitric oxide (NO) as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. In contrast with the short research history of the enzymatic synthesis of NO, the introduction of nitrate-containing compounds for medicinal purposes marked its 150th anniversary in 1997. Glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin; GTN) is the first compound of this category. Alfred Nobel (the founder of the Nobel Prize) himself had suffered from angina pectoris and was prescribed nitroglycerin for his chest pain while he refused to take due to the induction of headaches. Almost a century after its first chemical use, research in the nitric oxide and 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway has dramatically expanded and the role of NO/cGMP in physiology and pathology has been extensively studied. Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the receptor for NO. The α1β1 heterodimer is the predominant isoform of sGC that is obligatory for catalytic activity. NO binds to the ferrous (Fe(2+)) heme at histidine 105 of the β1 subunit and leads to an increase in sGC activity and cGMP production of at least 200-fold. In this chapter, we reviewed the studies of sGC-cGMP signaling in cell proliferation; introduced our work of targeting sGC-cGMP signaling for cancer therapy; and explored the role of sGC-cGMP signaling in the chromatin-microenvironment.

Effect of ozone treatment on deoxynivalenol and quality evaluation of ozonised wheat

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the secondary metabolite of Fusarium graminearum, which is always found in Fusarium head blight of wheat. In this study, gaseous ozone was used to treat both DON solution and scabbed wheat to investigate the effectiveness of ozone treatment on DON degradation and the effect of ozone on the quality parameters of wheat. It was found that gaseous ozone had a significant effect on DON reduction in solution, when 10 mg l(-1) gaseous ozone was used to treat a 1 μg ml(-1) of DON solution, the degradation rate of DON was 93.6% within 30 s. Lower initial concentrations of DON solution treated with higher concentrations of ozone, and longer times showed higher DON degradation rates. Gaseous ozone was effective against DON in scabbed wheat. The degradation rate of DON increased with ozone concentration and processing time. The correlation between the time and degradation rate was y = -1.1926x(2) + 11.427x - 8.7787. In the process of ozone oxidation, a higher moisture content of wheat was more sensitive than that of lower moisture content to ozone under the same conditions. All samples were treated with different concentrations of ozone for 4 h to investigate the effect of ozone on wheat quality. No significant detrimental changes in the starch pasting properties of wheat were observed after all the samples were treated with ozone within 4 h. On the other hand, there was a slight rise in the dough development time and stability time, which meant the quality of flour improved after ozone treatment.

ERK3 promotes endothelial cell functions by upregulating SRC-3/SP1-mediated VEGFR2 expression

Despite a regain of interest recently in ERK3 kinase signaling, the molecular regulations of both ERK3 gene expression and protein kinase activity are still largely unknown. While it is shown that disruption of ERK3 gene causes neonatal lethality, cell type-specific functions of ERK3 signaling remain to be explored. In this study, we report that ERK3 gene expression is upregulated by cytokines through c-Jun in endothelial cells; c-Jun binds to the ERK3 gene and regulates its transcription. We further reveal a new role for ERK3 in regulating endothelial cell migration, proliferation and tube formation by upregulating SRC-3/SP-1-mediated VEGFR2 expression. The underlying molecular mechanism involves ERK3-stimulated formation of a transcriptional complex involving coactivator SRC-3, transcription factor SP-1 and the secondary coactivator CBP. Taken together, our study identified a molecular regulatory mechanism of ERK3 gene expression and revealed a previously unknown role of ERK3 in regulating endothelial cell functions.

[Advance in studies on molecular mechanisms of cisplatin resistance and intervention with traditional Chinese medicines]

Cisplatin is a first-line anticancer drug widely used in clinic. However, its resistance reduces its efficacy. With a non-specific cell cycle, cisplatin's main targets are nucleophilic protein, DNA and RNA in cells. Among cisplatin's multi-factorial resistance mechanisms, abnormal expression of transport protein, intracellular detoxification enhancement, DNA repair capacity increase and apoptosis blocking are the main mechanisms. Because traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have unique advantages in cancer treatment, their combination with cisplatin can improve the efficacy. In this paper, the authors summarized the advance in studies on cisplatin's resistance and the combination of TCMs and cisplatin in recent years.

[Effects of rutaecarpine on inflammatory cytokines in insulin resistant primary skeletal muscle cells]

It is now well established that inflammation plays an important role in the development of numerous chronic metabolic diseases including insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Skeletal muscle is responsible for 75% of total insulin-dependent glucose uptake; consequently, skeletal muscle IR is considered to be the primary defect of systemic IR development. Our pre- vious study has shown that rutaecarpine (Rut) can benefit blood lipid profile, mitigate inflammation, and improve kidney, liver, pan- creas pathology status of T2DM rats. However, the effects of Rut on inflammatory cytokines in the development of IR-skeletal muscle cells have not been studied. Thus, our objective was to investigate effects of Rut on inflammatory cytokines interleukiri (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in insulin resistant primary skeletal muscle cells (IR-PSMC). Primary cultures of skeletal muscle cells were prepared from 5 neonate SD rats, and the primary rat skeletal muscle cells were identified by cell morphology, effect of ru- taecarpine on cell proliferation by MTT assay. IR-PSMC cells were induced by palmitic acid (PA), the glucose concentration was measured by glucose oxidase and peroxidase (GOD-POD) method. The effects of Rut on inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in IR-PSMC cells were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The results show that the primary skeletal muscle cells from neonatal rat cultured for 2-4 days, parallel alignment regularly, and cultured for 7 days, cells fused and myotube formed. It was shown that Rut in concentration 0-180. 0 μmol x L(-1) possessed no cytotoxic effect towards cultured primary skeletal muscle cells. However, after 24 h exposure to 0.6 mmol x L(-1) PA, primary skeletal muscle cells were able to induce a state of insulin resistance. The results obtained indicated significant decrease (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α production by cultured IR-PSMC cells when incubating 24 hours with Rut, beginning from 20 to 180.0 μmol x L(-1). IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in the Rut treated groups were dose-dependently decreased compared with that in the IR-PSMC control group. Our results demonstrated that the Rut promoted glucose consumption and improved insulin resistance possibly through suppression of inflammatory cytokines in the IR-PSMC cells.

[Relationship of stroke and carotid intima-media thickness and traditional Chinese medicine intervention progress: a review]

Stroke is one of the major diseases that threaten human health, early diagnosis and treatment are very important for stroke. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is measured noninvasively to diagnosis stroke, and it is a independent predictor for stroke because its thickening can timely predict the incidence and development of stroke. As an important predictor of cardiovascular disease, more and more attention is played on CIMT. In this review, we will make a summary on the important role of CIMT in stroke and the mechanisms of carotid intima-media thickening in stroke as well as the potential use of traditional Chinese medicine in treating carotid intima-media thickening.

The comparison of sensitivity of motion sickness between retinal degeneration fast mice and normal mice

Recent studies report that a conflict between information from the visual system and vestibular system is one of the main reasons for induction of motion sickness (MS). We may be able to clarify the integration mechanism of visual and vestibular information using an animal model with a visual defect, the retinal degeneration fast (rdf) mouse, and the role of vestibular information in the pathogenesis of MS. The rdf mice and wild-type Kunming mice were subjected to rotary stimulation to induce MS. Conditioned taste anorexia to saccharin solution and behavior score were used to observe the differences in MS sensitivity between two types of mice. The decrease in intake of saccharin solution and the behavior score in rdf mice were greater than those in normal mice. After rotatory stimulation, the reduction of intake mass and the behavior score were greater in rdf mice compared to those of normal mice. The rdf mice were more sensitive to rotation than normal mice. We conclude that visual information plays a role in the pathogenesis of MS. Visual information and vestibular information impact each other and integrate through certain channels in the central nervous system in mice.

Workload influence on fatigue related psychological and physiological performance changes of aviators

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated a variety of non-invasive physiological technologies and a series of test approaches for examination of aviator performances under conditions of mental workload in order to provide a standard real-time test for physiological and psychological pilot fatigue assessments.

METHODS

Twenty-one male aviators were selected for a simulated flight in a hypobaric cabin with artificial altitude conditions of 2400 meter above sea level. The simulated flight lasted for 1.5 h, and was repeated for two times with an intervening 0.5 h rest period outside the hypobaric cabin. Subjective criteria (a fatigue assessment instrument [FAI]) and objective criteria (a standing-position balance test as well as a critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) test) were used for fatigue evaluations.

RESULTS

No significant change was observed in the FAI scores before and after the simulated flight, indicating that there was no subjective fatigue feeling among the participants. However, significant differences were observed in the standing-position balance and CFF tests among the subjects, suggesting that psychophysiological indexes can reflect mental changes caused by workload to a certain extent. The CFF test was the simplest and clearly indicated the occurrence of workload influences on pilot performances after a simulated flight.

CONCLUSIONS

Results showed that the CFF test was the easiest way to detect workload caused mental changes after a simulated flight in a hypobaric cabin and reflected the psychophysiological state of aviators. We suggest that this test might be used as an effective routine method for evaluating the workload influences on mental conditions of aviators.

[Study on in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of total flavonoids from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its ingredients]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the anti-inflammatory mechanism of total flavonoids of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (TFGR) and its ingredient on IFN-gamma and LPS-induced macrophage RAW264.7.

METHOD

Solvent extraction and macroporous resin enrichment were adopted for preparing ethanol extracts of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, components and total flavonoids. Ultraviolet spectroscopy was used to determine the content of total flavonoids. An IFN-gamma and LPS-induced cell inflammatory model was established. Griess reaction was used for detecting the effect of extracts at all levels and flavonoid monomers on nitrite content in cell culture supernatant. FRAP was used for measuring anti-oxidation capacity. RT-PCR was used for determining the effect of TFGR and isoliquiritigenins on intracellular inducible nitric oxide synthase iNOS, COX-2, IL-6 and PPAR-gamma. Western blot was used for detecting the effect of TFGR and isoliquiritigenins on iNOS, COX-2 and MAPK signal transduction pathways.

RESULT

Compared with other extracts, ethyl acetate fractions from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma showed the highest inhibition ratio on nitrite content at the same concentration. After being enriched with macroporous resin, TFGR (60. 08% of liquiritin) of ethyl acetate extracts from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma showed dose-dependence, and inhibited the nitrite content in cell culture supernatant, which was superior to ethyl acetate extracts, and had the protective effect on post-stimulated cell activity, with a stronger total anti-oxidation than other extracts. TFGR inhibited iNOS, IL-6 mRNA, protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2 and IL-6. Isoliquiritigenin, a flavonoid monomer, could inhibited iNOS, COX-2 gene and protein expression and gene expressions of IL-1beta and IL-6, and upside-regulated gene expression of PPAR-gamma.

CONCLUSION

Activity-oriented extraction suggests that ethyl acetate fractions from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is one of components with anti-inflammatory activity. TFGR obtained by enriching the active component showed dose-dependence, and inhibited the nitrite content in cell culture supernatant. The anti-inflammatory effect is partially achieved by regulating ERK signal pathway and inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 gene and protein expressions through extracellular signals of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Specifically, isoliquiritigenin may be a component with TFGR anti-inflammatory activity.

[Effects of four kinds of Chinese medicine monomer on growth of PANC-1 xenograft tumor and studying of molecular mechanism]

OBJECTIVE

The antitumor effects of icarisid II, timosaponin A-III, neferine and salidroside were studied in PANC-1 xenograft tumor.

METHOD

To establish of the nude mice xenograft tumor model, PANC-1 cells were injected. When the tumor major diameter was reached 3-5 mm, the treatment was initiated. The mice were randomized into vehicle control and treatment groups of six animals per each. Chinese medicine monomer was injected intraperitoneally every day. In 23th day, mice were killed once a day, tumor tissue were isolated and weighed and divided into two parts. One part was fixed with formaldehyde for tissue section and immunohistochemistry, the another of tissue was frozen in liquid nitrogen then in - 80 degrees C refrigerator for gene and protein expression analysis.

RESULT

In PANC-1 tumor xenograft experiment, compared with model group, timosaponin A-III (1.0 mg x kg (-1)) exerted significant inhibitory effects on tumor growth. Timosaponin A-III suppressed mRNA expressions of VEGF (P < 0.05), reduced protein expressions of VEGF (P < 0.05), activated Caspase-3 protein. Icarisid II, neferine and salidroside had not an excelled antitumor effect.

CONCLUSION

Timosaponin A-III exerted an excelled antitumor effect. The antitumor mechanisms include anti-angiogenesis, apoptosis promotion.

Nitric oxide signaling in vascular biology

Nitric oxide (NO) research has expanded rapidly in the past 20 years, and the role of NO in physiology and pathology has been extensively studied. This review focuses on the pathways of NO synthesis and metabolism in vascular biological systems. Healthy vascular homeostasis is dependent on the integrity of the endothelium, which is a very large dynamic autocrine and paracrine organ with vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties. The importance and relevance of NO signaling is stressed in this review. The potential role of nitrotyrosine formation with vascular pathological conditions is discussed. The use of pharmacologic, biochemical, and molecular biological approaches to characterize, purify, and reconstitute these regulatory pathways should lead to the development of new therapies for various pathological conditions that are characterized by an insufficient production of NO. With more than 77,000 publications in the field of NO signaling, this brief review can only focus on some aspects of the field as it applies to vascular biology. Many molecular targets have been identified for drug development dealing with NO and cyclic guanosine monophosphate formation, metabolism, and function. Many agents have been identified that are in pre-clinical evaluation or in clinical trials. Certainly, many should prove to be important therapeutic additions during the next decade.

[Analysis on anti-vascular inflammatory mechanism in vitro of total flavones from Artemisia anomala]

OBJECTIVE

To study the impact of total flavones from Artemisia anomala (TFAS) on activation of macrophages, cell oxidative stress, auto-nitration of CuZn-SOD, platelet aggregation and isolated vascular tension.

METHOD

LPS and IFN-gamma induced activation of macrophages and oxidative stress in rats; H2O2 and nitrite induced auto-nitration of CuZn-SOD; ADP, AA and collagen induced platelet aggregation in vitro in mice; PE stimulates isolated vascular tension; nitrite content of macrophages was measured by Griess assay; MTT assay and FRAP assay was applied for cell viability and total cell antioxidant capacity; auto-nitration of CuZn-SOD was measured by Western blot and colorimetric methods; platelet aggregation was detected by turbidimetry; and aorta ring relaxation was recorded by isolated vascular function experience devices for rats.

RESULT

TFAS demonstrated dose dependence (25, 50, 100, 200 mg x L(-1)) on inhibiting induced macrophages NO production from generating, while increasing cell viability and total anti-oxidant capacity. Auto-nitration of CuZn-SOD was suppressed by TFAS in dose dependence (0.5, 5, 50 mg x L(-1)). TFAS showed an inhibitory effect on collagen-induced platelet aggregation at 50 mg x L(-1) and an endothelium-dependent relaxation effect on PE-induced vasoconstriction at 1 g x L(-1).

CONCLUSION

TFAS shows effect on anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-nitration, anti-platelet aggregation and vasodilatation in experiment in vitro, which may inhibit vascular inflammatory by regulating multiple target points. It is among material bases for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

NOS-2 signaling and cancer therapy

The role of NO and cGMP signaling in tumor biology has been extensively studied during the past three decades. However, whether the pathway is beneficial or detrimental in cancer is still open to question. We suggest several reasons for this ambiguity: first, although NO participates in normal signaling (e.g., vasodilation and neurotransmission), NO is also a cytotoxic or apoptotic molecule when produced at high concentrations by inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS or NOS-2). In addition, the cGMP-dependent (NO/sGC/cGMP pathway) and cGMP-independent (NO oxidative pathway) components may vary among different tissues and cell types. Furthermore, solid tumors contain two compartments: the parenchyma (neoplastic cells) and the stroma (nonmalignant supporting tissues including connective tissue, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells) with different NO biology. Thus, the NO/sGC/cGMP signaling molecules in tumors as well as the surrounding tissue must be further characterized before targeting this signaling pathway for tumor therapy. In this review, we focus on the NOS-2 expression in tumor and surrounding cells and summarized research outcome in terms of cancer therapy. We propose that a normal function of the sGC-cGMP signaling axis may be important for the prevention and/or treatment of malignant tumors. Inhibiting NOS-2 overexpression and the tumor inflammatory microenvironment, combined with normalization of the sGC/cGMP signaling may be a favorable alternative to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for malignant tumors.

Nitric oxide and cyclic GMP signaling pathway as a focus for drug development

Recent progress in understanding of the nitric oxide and cGMP signaling pathway provided evidence for mechanism of action of known drugs and identified novel targets for drug development. These discoveries resulted in numerous efforts in drug and formulation discovery. Some of the most promising approaches were applied for efficient therapies of various diseases.

Restoring soluble guanylyl cyclase expression and function blocks the aggressive course of glioma

The NO and cGMP signaling pathways are of broad physiological and pathological significance. We compared the NO/soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)/cGMP pathway in human glioma tissues and cell lines with that of healthy control samples and demonstrated that sGC expression is significantly lower in glioma preparations. Our analysis of GEO databases (National Cancer Institute) further revealed a statistically significant reduction of sGC transcript levels in human glioma specimens. On the other hand, the expression levels of particulate (membrane) guanylyl cyclases (pGC) and cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) were intact in the glioma cells that we have tested. Pharmacologically manipulating endogenous cGMP generation in glioma cells through either stimulating pGC by ANP/BNP, or blocking PDE by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine/zaprinast caused significant inhibition of proliferation and colony formation of glioma cells. Genetically restoring sGC expression also correlated inversely with glioma cells growth. Orthotopic implantation of glioma cells transfected with an active mutant form of sGC (sGCα1β1(Cys105)) in athymic mice increased the survival time by 4-fold over the control. Histological analysis of xenografts overexpressing α1β1(Cys105) sGC revealed changes in cellular architecture that resemble the morphology of normal cells. In addition, a decrease in angiogenesis contributed to glioma inhibition by sGC/cGMP therapy. Our study proposes the new concept that suppressed expression of sGC, a key enzyme in the NO/cGMP pathway, may be associated with an aggressive course of glioma. The sGC/cGMP signaling-targeted therapy may be a favorable alternative to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for glioma and perhaps other tumors.

[Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by excessive ROS/RNS-metabolic cardiovascular disease and traditional Chinese medicines intervention]

Metabolic cardiovascular disease is a type of disease which almost caused by body carbohydrate and lipid metabolism dysfunction. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a typical metabolic disease. It not only lead to the insulin resistance but also related to atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress is produced by the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Oxidative stress and its consequence events play important roles in atherosclerosis (AS). Mitochondria are both sources and targets of reactive oxygen and/or nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), and there is growing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction may be relevant intermediate mechanism by which cardiovascular risk factors lead to the formation of vascular lesions. Several cardiovascular risk factors are demonstrated causes of mitochondrial damage. This review starts with excessive ROS/RNS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. The authors emphasize the relationship among axis of excessive ROS/RNS-mitochondrial dysfunction-apoptosis-atherosclerosis. They also introduce several traditional Chinese medicines such as Ophiopogon japonicus, butin, Panax ginseng, Pueraria lobata, Solanum lyratum and so on in the treatment of relevant diseases through anti-ROS/RNS mechanism. Moreover, the TCMs also can anti-cancer and anti-fatigue,which show the speciality of TCMs different from the single effect of classical western medicines.

[Progress in co-culture and differentiation in adipose-derived stem cells: a review]

Stem cells can be differentiated into many kinds of somatic cells under defined culture conditions. In addition, the homing possess can be partially imitated by co-culture of stem cells with mature somatic cells. Regarding the importance of clinical application of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), our review first introduced the sources and signs of ADSCs, and then the current knowledge of ADSCs co-culture technology, including drug and chemical induced culture, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) co-culture, mechanisms of ADSCs differentiation, and application development in recent years in details. Finally, we also addressed prospects of ADSCs.

[Research and application progress of adipose-derived stem cells]

OBJECTIVE

To review the biochemical characteristics, application progress, and prospects of the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).

METHODS

The recent original experimental and clinical literature about ADSCs was extensively reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

ADSCs can be readily harvested in large numbers from adipose tissue with properties of stable proliferation and potential differentiation in vitro. Significant progress of ADSCs is made in the animal experiment and the clinical application. It has been widely used in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, encephalopathy, and tissue engineering repair.

CONCLUSION

ADSCs have gradually replaced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and become the focused hot spot of regenerative medicine and stem cells.

[Diabetes mellitus ulcers treatment with Bletilla striata polysaccharide]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Bletilla striata polysaccharide on diabetes mellitus ulcers. Diabetes mellitus animal model was established by single ip injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg x kg(-1)) with the criteria of blood glucose > or = 16.7 mmol x L(-1) after 72 h. 4 weeks after STZ injection, each animal received two full thickness incisional wounds (1.8 cm in diameter). The wounds then were divided into B. striata polysaccharide group and PBS group. Wound closure rate, fibroblast (FB) infiltration, hydroxyproline (OHP) content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were examined on day 3, 7, 14, 21 post wound. The treatment of B. striata polysaccharide significantly facilitated diabetes mellitus ulcers healing compared to PBS group. Histological analysis showed that B. striata polysaccharide markedly increased inflammatory cell infiltration in wound area. The herb also strongly evaluation of FB, OHP demonstrated a significantly increased in B. striata polysaccharide group. B. striata polysaccharide group promoted wound closure by means of enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration and re-epithelialization, and the promotion of FB and OHP levels.